March 22, 2005
Three Finger Salute
Last Friday’s drive home from work, as most Friday’s go, reminded me of September 11th. In a post last year, Did You Forget?, I wrote about my outrage for these American Apologetics who like to justify the world’s hatred of the United States. Fortunately their numbers have dwindled as time goes on and especially after their defeat in this past election, as the leader of the free world was re-elected to continue to guide us in the march toward freedom from terror.
This past Friday was a nice day and I had my windows down and my sun roof open enjoying the air. As I drove by that corner and saw the same poor soul with his hood pulled down tight over his head, sunglasses on and his orange sign covering the rest of face (concerned about revealing his identity?); his sign reads, “DID LIES TAKE US TO WAR?” I raised my hand out of my sun roof and waiving three fingers in the air for him to see; showed him that lies had nothing to do with the war.
As President Bush said in his inaugural address on January 20th, 2005, “When the Declaration of Independence was first read in public and the Liberty Bell was sounded in celebration, a witness said, "It rang as if it meant something.” In our time it means something still. America, in this young century, proclaims liberty throughout all the world, and to all the inhabitants thereof. Renewed in our strength - tested, but not weary - we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom.”
This proclamation, the ringing of that bell is what took us to war. Perhaps someday this hooded man will hear the meaning of the bell that rang out over two centuries ago.
Posted by price at March 22, 2005 11:26 AMThe "ringing of the bell" isn't what took us to war, despite what revisionist history might tell you.
Nonexistant Weapons of Mass Destruction took us to war.
But, hey, your guy won - feel free to rewrite whatever you want.
Posted by: Malnurtured Snay at March 23, 2005 03:07 PMRather than looking at this as “revisionist history”, I would call it perspective & context. In the context of today’s global climate, we look at history through the perspective of the present. Being mindful of the perspective & context of the past is important to understanding history, but doesn’t mean that history cannot take on a different meaning in our current time.
However, that being said, the heart of the meaning of the liberty bell has not changed since it rang out. We went to war first to protect our liberties and second to create liberties for others. No matter who won the election, as citizens of the United States, we only have one President and he is the President of the entire country.
Posted by: Jeff Price at March 24, 2005 09:21 AM...just as God is God of all. You needn't worry about what the kings of this world are doing. God moves them as pawns in his own time. You cannot go to war with forgiveness and mercy in your heart- only with malice and vengeance. Since malice is sin and vengeance is the Lord's, wouldn't our time be better spent on liberating God's people from the bonds of sin? That old bell is gonna burn with the rest of the world when the day comes.
Posted by: will at March 29, 2005 05:28 PMUnfortunately a merciful heart occasionally will need to go on the offense to protect or enforce those mercies. War is a result of the fall and thus never a desired choice. However, as a Christian I may not be of this world but I am certainly in it. This causes me to be engaged in every aspect of “liberating God’s people from the bonds of sin”, which includes being a part of His kingdom here on earth. That is a kingdom which will never fade. Your reminder that this world is temporary is a good one, but I would disagree with your myopic view of war.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Posted by: Jeff Price at March 30, 2005 02:14 PM